1. 8 Sep


    My modified Apple ”iPhone 4 Bumpers” case. In my impressions post about my free Apple “iPhone 4 Bumpers” case; I noted that it’s major flaw was that the opening for the dock port was too small for anything but newer Apple iPhone/iPod USB cables. This makes the case incompatible with most 3rd party accessories and car adaptors. Major fail. With the case otherwise useless, I borrowed a friend’s dremel tool and widened the case’s dock port opening slightly. I used a larger 3rd party USB cable as a guide. It was very easy to do, but I took it slowly so I wouldn’t mess-up. With my main complaint gone I’ve found the “Bumpers” to be quite nice. I wouldn’t count on this case for protection from a major drop, but it feels better than nothing. I also recommend getting a SPG skin to protect the screen and back from scratches. The “Bumpers” makes my iPhone too fat to fit my belt holster so I’ve been carrying the iPhone in my pocket again. While slightly harder to get to in my pocket, it’s also less dorky.

    My modified Apple ”iPhone 4 Bumpers” case.

    In my impressions post about my free Apple “iPhone 4 Bumpers” case; I noted that it’s major flaw was that the opening for the dock port was too small for anything but newer Apple iPhone/iPod USB cables. This makes the case incompatible with most 3rd party accessories and car adaptors. Major fail.

    With the case otherwise useless, I borrowed a friend’s dremel tool and widened the case’s dock port opening slightly. I used a larger 3rd party USB cable as a guide. It was very easy to do, but I took it slowly so I wouldn’t mess-up.

    With my main complaint gone I’ve found the “Bumpers” to be quite nice. I wouldn’t count on this case for protection from a major drop, but it feels better than nothing. I also recommend getting a SPG skin to protect the screen and back from scratches.

    The “Bumpers” makes my iPhone too fat to fit my belt holster so I’ve been carrying the iPhone in my pocket again. While slightly harder to get to in my pocket, it’s also less dorky.

     

  2. 16 Aug


    Quick iPhone 4 “Apple Bumpers” impressions.

    I got my free case from Apple today. My immediate impression holding the package was “Wow how’d they sell these little things for $30?”. That being said once opened, it feels well made. It easily fit over my SGP skin, in fact the skin likely makes it fit extra snug.

    After rocking a “naked” iPhone 4 since June 24, the “Bumpers” makes the iPhone feel a little fat and more rugged. This gives me mixed feelings… It feels like I have a fair amount of protection without having a full covering case. However I love the feel of the naked iPhone 4 and now my phone is too fat to fit in my Incase belt holster case, that I enjoy because it frees-up pocket space.

    I’ll give the Bumper more time before I give it my final judgment. If it doesn’t work in my car I have a feeling I’ll be going naked again.

    UPDATE: The “Bumpers” case does NOT work with my car AUX cable. This seems to be a common problem with almost any iPhone/iPod car audio cable or dock. I’ve opted against using this case as it’s a pain to remove the bumper just to use accessories… This is a major design flaw.

    Pros: Added protection without a bulky case. Good build quality and finish; looks like a part of the phone. Fits over protective skins. All buttons are easily accessible. Raised rubber edges gives front/back some clearance and slip resistance when set on surfaces.

    Cons: Feels fat and plastic like an iPhone 3G after being accustom to a naked iPhone 4 and doesn’t look quite as sexy. Is too large to fit most belt cases. Dock port and headphone jack might be too small for some 3rd party cables and accessories.